WB Backs $600Mn Power Project

The 1.95gw Helwan South gas-fired power plant to be built 100km south of Cairo at a cost of $585.4mn has been approved by the World Bank. Helwan South will contribute 10% of planned 2013-18 Egypt power capacity additions and help provide a more reliable supply of electricity.

Egyptian electricity demand is rising rapidly because of population growth, the development of energy-intensive industries and growing use of electrical appliances, particularly air conditioning – demand growth has continued to soar even throughout Egypt’s 2011-13 political and economic upheavals. Investments have not kept pace with 6%/y demand growth and there have been rolling blackouts and frequent service interruptions. This has particularly hit small enterprises and households. (CONTINUED - 287 WORDS)